Construction of 3 single-family homes in Gracia

Even today, when maintaining distinct identities in Barcelona is so difficult, Vila de Gracia maintains its own character: its dense network of entities, its particular urban planning, the Fiesta Mayor… All this gives it a special character and, with this project, OAK makes a reinterpretation of this Gracia spirit.

The project began with the desire to recreate three identical single-family homes, but with a distinct architectural style in their interiors.

In the heart of the old town of Vila de Gracia, in Barcelona, ​​we found a disused, dilapidated, ground-floor corner building on the corner of Verdi and Robí streets, in dire need of renovation. The challenge was to work within very limited constraints and find the best possible solution, providing each independent dwelling with adequate living conditions and comfort.

The project began with the demolition of the existing building and the preparation of the site. Foundations, measurements, heavy machinery, site layout, concrete and steel, structures, in-house personnel, coordination and monitoring visits, insulation materials, ceramics, wood, details, furniture, etc., were all coordinated over 15 months to achieve the objective outlined in the construction plans.

The building itself is a 30x10x5 meter prism. The three apartments are arranged on a ground floor with a bathroom and an open-plan living area encompassing the kitchen, living room, and dining room; a first floor with a bathroom and two bedrooms; and a rooftop terrace connecting the three units. Each apartment has its own independent entrance from Robí Street and is fully equipped with heating, air conditioning, and solar thermal systems. Interior finishes include ceramics, wood, aluminum, steel, hydraulic tiles, glass, and eco-friendly paints, all designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, as specified by the owners and the project management team. The exterior, with its radical simplification in both composition and color, and its regular, minimalist style, evokes a language reminiscent of Piet Mondrian and rationalist architecture, employing ceramic materials and treated synthetic resins.

With the best possible coordination, high-quality materials, a reduced execution cost, and countless anecdotes during the work, the project was delivered at the end of May.